Valley of the Suns
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Current assistant coaches that the Phoenix Suns should take a look at

By Khaleel Abdullah

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Assistant coach Sam Cassell of the LA Clippers looks on against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Assistant coach Sam Cassell of the LA Clippers looks on against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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#5 – Jay Larranaga of the Boston Celtics

Jay, at 44-years-old, is an Irish-American former professional basketball player. He is currently the top assistant coach for the Boston Celtics under head coach Brad Stevens.

His dad, Jim Larranaga, has been the head coach of the University of Miami men’s basketball team for the last 9 seasons. So not only does he have the experience but he has the pedigree.

From 2008-2010 he was the head coach for the Irish National Team.

From there, he became the head coach of the Erie BayHawks of the NBA D-League, where he had a 60-40 record (.600 winning percentage) and led his team to back-to-back playoff appearances.

Not only did he show he could coach but he showed a knack for player development. Under his watch, the BayHawks set a team record for player call ups (12), with eight different players getting called up to the NBA.

His first season as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics was in 2012 and he’s now spent 6 seasons on the Boston sidelines. In 2013, he was interviewed by the Celtics to replace Doc Rivers, but Stevens ultimately became head coach.

Larranaga is one of the most desired young coaches in the league as he has displayed a solid balance of offensive creativity and defensive prowess. He’s a hard worker, loves to learn and is great with bringing the best out of players. Those are all traits that would be beneficial to the Suns in their next head coach.

Last summer he interviewed for the New York Knicks head coaching job and Stevens spoke very highly of him according to Newsday.

"“He’s super-smart. He works exceptionally hard. He always is looking proactively at projects,” Stevens said. “He’s great with individuals and helping individuals get better. His player development stuff is off the charts. “As I’ve said about our other guys in the past, I’m just really fortunate to be surrounded by so many people that a) are that capable and work like that, and then b) are totally humble and selfless in their approach. They don’t ask for anything more than to get an opportunity to do their job well.”"

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